Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks) vs Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks)Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBowmoreInvergordon
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV55%42.5%
Age21 yr52 yr
Price£294.95£379.13
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness38/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £295 vs £379.

For beginners: Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£294.95 vs £379.13)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (52 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£379.13 vs £294.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Invergordon?

Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 2004 - Old Islay (Decadent Drinks)

SmokeyFresh FruitSherriedFragantToasted

Only Invergordon 52 Year Old 1964 (cask 11487) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodVanillaOilyNuttyMalt Extract

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